At SAFECROWDS GROUP, we believe the future of safer events centres on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. This vision came to life recently when we were delighted to welcome a group of Fellows from the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Saudi Fellowship Programme, supported by ESM Operations.
The young professionals, all working towards UK-recognised qualifications in health, safety and operations and crowd safety management, spent a day at our partner ARX Security’s headquarters in Derby to gain first-hand insight into hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) and crowd safety.
The visit was carefully designed to be more than just a walk-through. Split into two groups, the Fellows took part in an immersive programme that blended technical expertise with real-world application.
ARX Security hosted a comprehensive tour and product showcase, where participants explored a wide range of HVM systems, test standards and ratings. As a certified practitioner, our Managing Director, Steve Faye, also led an in-depth session on TVRA and VDA processes, sharing practical frameworks for assessing and managing risks in crowded environments.
There was a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Through demonstrations of ARX’s innovative perimeter security products, the Fellows were able to see – and feel – what robust crowd safety looks like in practice. They also had the opportunity to assemble and disassemble ARX Security’s extensive product range, including the ARX STOPPER!™, ARX Fence, ARX Crowd Barriers, ARX Vehicle Access Barrier, and ARX FenceBox™.”
SAFECROWDS GROUP CEO, Rory McGoldrick, said: “These Fellows represent the future of event safety in Saudi Arabia, as the country continues to attract major sporting events and looks forward to hosting the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2034. Working with our long-standing partners at ARX Security and training specialists ESM Operations, we’ve been able to give them a rare behind-the-scenes perspective into both the strategy and the practicalities of HVM and crowd protection.
“The UK’s global reputation for event safety and venue management made it the ideal setting for the Fellows to gain international perspectives. The knowledge they take away will directly support the development of Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing entertainment sector – where world-class safety standards will be central to its success.”
The Derby visit formed part of an intensive second week in the Fellowship Programme, which had already taken the group to some of the UK’s most iconic venues, including Manchester’s AO Arena, the Etihad Stadium, Co-op Live Arena and Alton Towers Resort. Each stop was chosen to highlight different aspects of venue operations, from guest services to licensing, and from large-scale event planning to day-to-day crowd management and public safety.
For SAFECROWDS GROUP and ARX Security, it was an opportunity not only to share expertise but also to learn from the perspectives of a new generation of international professionals. The energy and curiosity of the Fellows made for an inspiring exchange, and reinforced our belief that safety and security are strengthened through openness, dialogue and partnership.
We extend our thanks to Eric Swithenbank, Managing Director of ARX Security, and his team for their outstanding support, as well as to Lee Armstrong and David Dymitrow from ESM Operations for their leadership in coordinating this ambitious programme.
As the Fellowship continues, we’re proud to have played a role in shaping its journey – and look forward to seeing how these future leaders will carry their new insights back to Saudi Arabia to help raise standards across the events industry.
